According to 2007 figures released by Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne released it surfaced that 483 people took their own lives in 2007 as compared with 526 in 2006.

Terming it as a positive result Dunnes said it was the outcome of sheer hard work. Figures also said that the male suicide rate was three times higher than that of women and it was a cause of concern.

Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand director Merry Statham said the statistics stating more number of men was a concern as was the Maori suicide rate.

"In September, Te Whakauruora, a Maori suicide prevention resource, was launched and it's essential that we work to implement approaches that can really make a difference for Maori communities,” Statham added.

As per facts 97 Maori people committed suicide in 2007. This shows that the number has decreased from the peak rate in 1998, but the rate for Maori suicides continues to be more than non- Maori.

Other suicide prevention information and resources are available through the SPINZ website and Te Whakauruora can be ordered through the Mental Health Foundation’s website, www. mentalhealth. org. nz, or can be viewed online on the SPINZ website, www. spinz. org. nz.